EFA Legislative Alert, April 24, 2006
Dear Eagles and Friends:
I know the Alerts are coming hot and heavy but take heart – the end of the legislative session is in sight and “we will reap if we faint not”. I only pass on information that you NEED to know. Tonight we have 1) Good News 2) two state issues and 3) a federal issue.
The good news first. I asked you to contact Rep. Lesil McGuire and ask her to remove her support for HB447, Broadcasting of raffles and lotteries. I heard from Rep. McGuire this afternoon and she is removing her support for the bill. This is wonderful news for she is the sponsor of the bill and if she doesn’t support it, it is dead. We came very close to losing on this one. It was scheduled for a vote on the House floor last week before being pulled at the last minute and sent back to the Rules committee. The diligence of our Eagles kept this bill from passing the House. Thank you to everyone who prayed, called and wrote letters on this one. Another victory!!
State issues:
SB20 is scheduled for a hearing in House Finance tomorrow at 1:30 PM. I spoke with staff for Rep. Meyer and she indicated that they are getting calls on the bills, with supporters and opponents split about 50/50. BUT, they are getting an overwhelming number of emails from people who don’t like the language on the Laci and Connor bill. It is more of the same, they insist they want to protect pregnant women but they are so concerned with protecting a court decision (Roe) that they will not extend protection to the unborn from violence. If you have not contacted anyone on the Finance committee there is still time! Fax or email your testimony on SB20 to Rep. Kevin Meyer, Chair of House Finance. Be sure to ask that your testimony be made part of the record for this committee.
Rep_Kevin_Meyer@legis.state.ak.us
866 465 4945 Fax 907 465 3476
Tell Rep. Meyer you want SB20, the Laci and Connor bill, passed without amendment.
Here are a couple of talking points on the bill:
1) SB20 will allow the law to recognize two victims in cases where and pregnant woman and her unborn child are harmed.
2) 32 states have passed similar legislation and not one of those have been overturned by the courts,
3) This bill applies only to criminal acts and not to legalized abortion. This bill cannot hurt Roe.
4) Pregnant women are already protected by Alaska criminal code, SB20 will extend that right to the unborn.
Back to Rep. McGuire again. Please pray for her. She has a newborn baby and a lot on her plate as Chair of House Judiciary. Right now HJR32, the same-sex marriage benefits bill, is in her committee. We need to contact her again and ask her to schedule HJR32 for a hearing. If you need refreshed on this bill you can see our talking points for HJR32/SJR20 at SJR20
Rep_Lesil_McGuire@legis.state.ak.us
800 365 2995 Fax 907 465 6592
Federal Issue: The following is from our national office:
You all remember Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” at the SuperBowl two years ago. That offensive scene represents thousands of other indecent violations by our nation’s broadcasters. Unfortunately, because fines are low and enforcement is difficult, many broadcasters simply ignore the law and continue to flood our homes with all kinds of crude material. On April 14, in a new wave of arrogance, four major broadcast networks filed suit against the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for fines issued against them. The networks now claim an unfettered right to broadcast sex and profanity, even using the f-word during the Family Hour!
Congress must stop this attack on our families! The House passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 on February 16, 2005 by an overwhelming vote of 389-38. Sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), this bill raises fines against broadcast decency violators, and strengthens the FCC’s ability to enforce those fines. The Senate continues to stall on passing the bill, giving broadcasters of indecent material just what they want.
Take Action Tomorrow!
Please call your Senators and tell them to support immediate passage of the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act!
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
That is it for now. Thank you for all you do.
Working for the family,
Debbie Joslin
President, Eagle Forum Alaska
POBox 377
Delta Junction, AK 99737
To subscribe to this alert, email Debbie Joslin
posted by Don Haase @ 12:56 PM
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